title: [American contributions to Japanese anesthesiology--a historical view].
abstract: The origin of anesthesiology in Japan can be traced back to 1804, when Seishu Hanaoka administered anesthesia. However, the present day anesthesiology in Japan was shaped by two programs in the 1950s supported by the United States (US) Government. The first US program to influence anesthesiology in Japan was the Unitarian Service Committee (USC) Medical Mission. The USC sent three anesthesiologists; Dr. Meyer Saklad in 1950, Dr. Perry Perry Volpitto in 1951 and Dr. Joseph Artusio in 1956. The impact of the program on Japanese anesthesiology has been long-lasting. The second program was called Government Account for Relief in Occupied Area (GARIOA). Under this program, two Japanese physicians finished anesthesiology training in the US. Examining the history of our profession helps us understand the dedication and commitment of our pioneers, and prepares us to take on existing challenges to further the vision and goals set by our pioneers. The past provides us with a framework and understanding for how we pursue future opportunities and aspirations.
authors.affiliation: St. Louis University, St. Louis Missouri, USA.
authors.forename: Shigemasa
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ikeda
mesh_terms: D000776:Anesthesiology / Q000193:education / Q000266:history*; D049673:History, 20th Century; D007391:International Cooperation / Q000266:history*; D007564:Japan; D008493:Medical Missions / Q000266:history; D014481:United States